Western Pear

西洋なし

A pear of European origin. Yamagata Prefecture accounts for about 70% of national production and is especially renowned for La France. Requires post-harvest ripening—left at room temperature for several days, the texture becomes meltingly soft. Also popular as a gift fruit

Taste & Texture

Characterized by a rich, buttery aroma and melt-in-the-mouth soft texture. Intensely sweet and refined. When fully ripe, the juice becomes abundantly rich

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Sep - Nov

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Best eaten after ripening at room temperature.

  • Slight give when the neck near the stem is gently pressed indicates readiness.

  • A sweet fragrance signals full ripeness.

How to Store

  • Ripen underripe pears at room temperature (18-20°C).

  • Once ripe, eat promptly or store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator vegetable compartment.

  • Avoid over-chilling as it reduces aroma.

Shelf life 3-5 days refrigerated after ripening. Room-temperature ripening period varies from a few days to 2 weeks depending on cultivar and initial ripeness

* High ethylene producer — store separately from other produce.

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jul ¥229/kg
BUSIEST Nov 2,113t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Production Ranking

Yamagata74.4%
Niigata8.7%
Aomori8.3%
Nagano5.6%
Fukushima3.0%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
13,200
74.4%
2
1,540
8.7%
3
1,480
8.3%
4
987
5.6%
5
524
3.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Yamagata
Niigata
Aomori
Nagano
Fukushima